Valentino Rossi’sMotoGP world title fight with Casey Stoner might be the least of his problems as the Fiat Yamaha rider is under investigation by Italy’s authorities for tax evasion, according to reports in his home country.

A probe has been launched over suspected tax evasion, with the investigation focusing on £40m of undisclosed revenue over a four-year period between 2000 and 2004.

The investigation is concentrated from when Valentino Rossi moved to London, where he still has a luxury home.

Valentino Rossi is not the first big name MotoGP rider to be involved in a tax investigation.